With Chaz Coleman officially out of the picture, the Tennessee Volunteers find themselves at a crucial juncture regarding their edge rushers. This isn't just a question of filling a roster spot; it's about finding someone who can bring the heat on the field and keep the pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Let's take a step back. The Vols have already bid farewell to some of their top pass rushers due to graduation, including the formidable Dominic Bailey and Joshua Josephs.
To add to the challenge, Caleb Herring and Jordan Ross have both entered the Transfer Portal. Tennessee had high hopes pinned on Chaz Coleman, but now that he's gone, it's time to look at the options they have left.
Enter Jordan Norman, a promising edge rusher who made waves with Tulane, helping them reach the College Football Playoff last fall. Norman's stats are nothing to scoff at-28 tackles, eight tackles for loss (TFLs), and six sacks last season. With Coleman no longer in the mix, Norman is expected to rise to the occasion and bring the kind of consistent pass rush that Tennessee desperately needs.
Norman's role was already set to be significant, but with Coleman's departure, his presence on the field becomes even more critical. Last fall, Norman's pass-rushing prowess was highly rated by Pro Football Focus (PFF), boasting 15 hurries and three quarterback hits.
His win rate on pass-rush attempts stood at 13.3%, with a commendable pass-rush grade of 73.4. Tennessee will be counting on him to replicate-and hopefully exceed-those numbers next season.
While he's not without flaws, Norman possesses a skill set that's ready to be honed.
Behind Norman, the depth at the LEO position is a bit untested. One name to watch is Christian Gass, a highly-touted high school prospect from the class of 2025.
Tennessee managed to secure his commitment over several major programs. As a true freshman last season, Gass recorded a tackle against UAB, and he could be poised for a breakout this fall.
The silver lining for Tennessee is their coaching staff, particularly with one of the best defensive line coaches in the nation on their side. Jim Knowles, upon his hiring, had high praise for Rodney Garner, calling him a legend in SEC circles. Garner's coaching philosophy is a blend of rigorous training and genuine care for his players, a balance that can cultivate a resilient and cohesive defensive line.
For Tennessee to find success next fall, their defensive line needs a strong identity. Losing Coleman certainly complicates things, but it's not the end of the road. In fact, this shake-up might just be the catalyst the Vols need to uncover hidden potential and redefine their defensive front.
In Other News...
Former Michigan Star Puts Neyland Above Every Stadium In College Football
A former Michigan offensive lineman who has settled into Tennessee media is making a familiar kind of claim for Vols fans, only this time the praise is aimed at the place itself. Taylor Lewan, now hosting a Tennessee-based podcast, said Neyland Stadium is the loudest venue in college football, adding his voice to the long-running debate over where the sports best atmosphere really lives.
Lewan never played against Tennessee, but he has spent time inside Neyland as a spectator and came away impressed enough to put it above every other stadium he has experienced. The setting helps explain why the argument carries weight, too, with Neylands massive size and reputation for volume giving the Vols another point of pride whenever the building is packed and the noise starts rolling. [Read more 🡒]
Why Tennessee's Buzzed About EDGE Never Found His Footing
Chaz Colemans Tennessee stint never really got off the ground after the former Penn State EDGE arrived with a buzz and the kind of upside that made him one of the more intriguing additions in the room. Instead, his time with the Vols was interrupted by long stretches away from spring and summer workouts, leaving the staff trying to piece together why a player with his reputation could not establish any real rhythm in Knoxville.
Josh Heupel acknowledged Coleman was working through off-field issues, and the situation grew more complicated as concerns surfaced within the program about his physical condition and day-to-day ability to handle team responsibilities. For Tennessee, it became less about waiting for the talent to show up and more about a player whose path forward had turned uncertain long before anyone expected it to. [Read more 🡒]
Rick Barnes Sees Early Leaders Emerging On Tennessees Rebuilt Roster
Rick Barnes is still in the early part of summer workouts with Tennessees rebuilt roster, but the veteran coach is already seeing signs of who will help set the tone. With so much turnover around the program, leadership matters as much as any drill, and Barnes pointed to a mix of returners, newcomers and even a walk-on as players helping establish the voice of the team.
DeWayne Brown, Terrence Hill Jr., Campbell Duncan and Tyler Lundblade have all stood out in that regard, giving Tennessee a few different personalities to lean on as the group continues to mesh before the break around the Fourth of July. Hill has looked comfortable in the system, Brown has taken on a bigger leadership role, and the early response from that core gives Barnes a first glimpse at how the Vols may organize themselves once the pace picks back up. [Read more 🡒]